Gov’t unveils US$1.6M school in Bong

President Boakai has officially dedicated a modern secondary school in Bong County, Central Liberia, at an estimated cost of US$1.6 Million, as part of effort to boost education in the country.

By: Edwin N. Khakie

Bong, Liberia; July 22, 2025: President Joseph Nyumah Boakai Sr. officially dedicated a US$1.6 million modern secondary school in Gbarnga, Bong County, on Monday, July 21, 2025. The facility, described as one of the country’s most advanced academic institutions, is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance access to quality education, promote equity, and foster a skilled workforce for the future.

 The dedication ceremony, held in front of a large audience of government officials, educators, students, and residents, marked a significant milestone in the Boakai administration’s national development agenda and aligned with celebrations commemorating Liberia’s 178th Independence Anniversary.

“This school is not just a building; it is a statement that education remains at the heart of our development agenda,” President Boakai said.

 The President emphasized that integrating solar power within the school represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainable energy use in public infrastructure. He also credited the project’s success to the collaborative efforts between the Government of Liberia, the World Bank, and other international partners, particularly through a US$47 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA).

President Boakai commended the Ministry of Education for its dedication and hard work, stating that the new school symbolizes more than infrastructure it embodies hope, opportunity, and a commitment to the next generation.

 “A conducive learning environment fosters student success by minimizing distractions and promoting comfort and safety. This allows children to focus on their education rather than worrying about their basic needs,” the President said.

 “Investing in proper schools goes beyond construction; it means giving our students the tools and opportunities to succeed.”

 Boakai further reinforced his administration’s goal of restoring public trust in the education system by creating schools that inspire pride and ambition. He noted that education is a long-term investment with the power to transform not only individual lives but also communities and the nation.

 “Education is the key that unlocks the golden door,” he quoted, stressing that every Liberian child deserves the best education regardless of geography or background.

 Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, who officially commissioned the school, described the project as a model for what Liberian education infrastructure should represent. She noted that the facility includes 15 fully furnished classrooms, science and computer laboratories, a TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) space, a library, solar energy, gender-sensitive and disability-friendly features, and modern water and sanitation systems.

 Additionally, the campus boasts sports facilities, including a football field and courts for basketball and volleyball. It is designed to accommodate up to 1,000 students, thereby addressing issues of overcrowding and poor learning conditions.

 Minister Jallah emphasized that the initiative reflects Pillar Four of the government’s Agenda for Reform and Excellence in Education, which prioritizes equitable access and improved quality in senior secondary education across Liberia.

 “This is about the people of Liberia, not just politics,” she said. “We’re focused on inclusion, and we are committed to ensuring that children from disadvantaged backgrounds have the same access to quality education as anyone else.”

She also acknowledged the challenges encountered in executing the project, citing delays in civil work, inefficiencies in contractor performance, and overdue payments, which had previously stalled the school’s completion. Under her leadership, she said, the Ministry enforced stricter monitoring and accountability standards, in line with President Boakai’s “no business as usual” governance style.

“No good venture goes uncompleted under my watch,” Dr. Jallah stated firmly.

 World Bank Country Representative Georgia Wallen, speaking at the ceremony, lauded the project as a powerful investment in Liberia’s future.

  “The atmosphere here will soon be filled with youthful energy, ideas, laughter, and problem-solving, most of all, learning,” she said.

 Madam Wallen noted that the original commissioning was planned just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed many aspects of the program. However, the US$47 million investment ultimately enabled the Liberian government to respond to pandemic-related challenges while also improving infrastructure at more than 150 secondary schools nationwide.

 She explained that the program’s goals included awarding scholarships, deploying trained female guidance counselors, improving the quality of instruction, and producing and distributing Liberia’s first domestically published secondary school textbooks.

 President Boakai called on the local community to take ownership of the facility, particularly in helping to maintain its quality and sustainability over time.

  “The success of this initiative depends not just on government but on community involvement trained personnel, proper maintenance, and the will to see it flourish,” he said.

 The commissioning was attended by a host of dignitaries, including government ministers, lawmakers, county authorities, school officials, students, and ordinary citizens many of whom expressed pride in seeing such an advanced educational institution in Bong County.

 The dedication of this state-of-the-art secondary school marks a significant achievement in Liberia’s post-conflict development narrative. It reflects a government prioritizing people-centered infrastructure and inclusive educational reforms.

 As the Boakai administration continues its push to transform Liberia’s public education system, projects like this signal not only a break from the past but a bold commitment to a future where every child has access to quality learning and a better life.